Rector's Report
Greetings! I am taking a little bit of time to write to you as I participate in our annual Australian Oblate Province retreat being held near Kalorama in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. This is a privileged time for a priest, an opportunity many others don’t get, to step aside from the normal daily responsibilities and immerse ourselves in prayer, contemplation, and spiritual growth. I am taking this time of reflection to further understand how God is calling me to be a better priest, rector
and Christian to God’s people. I assure you that I have been keeping you all, staff, students and families in my prayers asking God to be with you in whatever your needs maybe currently. One of our talks focused on the challenge, for all of us, to continually reflect upon who am I becoming not what should I be doing. It is a lifelong journey of discernment. The retreat preacher this year is Dr Frances Baker RSM, a Mercy Sister who is a Senior Lecturer in Moral Theology at Catholic Theological College.
2026 Interviews
Last Saturday myself and the leadership team commenced the interviews for 2026 enrolments at Mazenod. It is a great experience to meet and greet these young men and their parents as together they discern the next step for their son’s educational journey. Through our short conversation the potential student and their parents highlight the reasons why Mazenod is their preferred option. As you can imagine this can vary greatly from wanting the faith experience that the college offers, the sporting and music opportunities or witnessing the academic achievements of past and present students. However, one of the common reasons is that they were impressed with our students who guided them on the college open day tour or meeting former students. The parents genuinely want their sons to reach their potential like these young men. I always say to our students that they are the best advertisement for the college. Let us keep up the great work.
Feat of the Assumption & Confirmation
What a prayerful morning it was on Thursday 15th August, when we gathered in the Provence Centre as a whole college community, with families, friends and Oblates to celebrate the Eucharist for the Feast of the Assumption. This year the feast day held extra significance for our community with 7 current and one former student receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. With the delegation of the local Bishop, I was privileged to confer the Sacrament on these young men. Confirmation is a profound outpouring of the Holy Spirit strengthening us to be active members of the Church and bold witnesses of Christ in the world as we live our baptismal promises with vigour and commitment. During the laying on of hands and the anointing with the Oil of Chrism you could virtually hear a pin drop with our students exhibiting great reverence and respect for the liturgy that was unfolding in front of them. Thank you to all who prepared these young men for this “Moment of Grace” in their lives and all who enabled this special occasion in the history of our college life to be celebrated in such a prayerful and meaningful manner.
Holy Spirit Prayer
Here is a prayer that will open your lives to the outpouring of the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
St Eugene de Mazenod
Pray for us.
The End is Near
As I write this newsletter the 2024 footy season could (?), unfortunately, be over for the reigning premiers, the Mighty Magpies. There are still some weeks left to gloat before handing over the mantle to the next team and their supporters who will enjoy the exhilaration of a premiership win. On two occasions last week I was fortunate enough to enjoy some footy experiences. As a Member for Life (50 years and over members) I was invited to the Collingwood Football Club where I
managed to get a photo with the 2023 premiership cup. The second wonderful opportunity was to take my great niece, Pippa, who lives in the Latrobe Valley, to her first AFL match against the tigers. Fortunately, for Pippa she was able to witness a win first up and enjoyed some hot chips with her great uncle.
Depends on your perspective!
Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate
Fr Harry Dyer OMI